Bill > HB194

This bill establishes new consumer protection requirements for retail merchants regarding shipping costs for returned items. Specifically, the bill allows consumers to request that a merchant either provide a prepaid shipping label or reimburse the full shipping costs when returning an item that is damaged, faulty, or sent in error. The merchant must either provide a prepaid shipping label or refund the consumer's shipping costs within 30 days of receiving the returned item in its original condition. The bill defines key terms such as "consumer" (a purchaser of goods not for resale), "merchant" (as defined in existing Maryland commercial law), and "retail sale" (sale of goods for personal use or consumption). Importantly, any violation of these requirements is considered an unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice under Maryland law, making merchants subject to enforcement and penalties under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving businesses time to prepare for the new requirements.